Wednesday
8th Jan 2025
Dhivehi Edition
Gulhifalhu project
Maldives Government Signs Agreement with China’s CMEC to Develop Infrastructure in K. Gulhifalhu
signing ceremony with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) for the development of roads and municipal infrastructure in K. Gulhifalhu.-photo:Presidents office
The Government of the Maldives has entered into an agreement with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) for the development of roads and municipal infrastructure in K. Gulhifalhu.
The agreement was formalized at a ceremony held today at the President's Office, where Dr. Abdullah Muttalib, the Minister of Housing, signed on behalf of the Maldives, and Mr. Shen Hao Jin, the Regional General Manager of CMEC, signed on behalf of the company.
During the ceremony, Minister Dr. Muttalib highlighted that the agreement is a direct outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between CMEC and the Ministry during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's inaugural state visit to China.
The Minister further emphasized that significant technical work had been carried out by the Ministry and CMEC, including project scoping, preparation of technical specifications, and concept-level design.
Dr. Muttalib stated that following these preparatory steps, the project was awarded to CMEC on a contractor-financed basis after reviewing and discussing the proposal submitted by the company.
Minister Muttalib also remarked that this project symbolizes the government's commitment to addressing congestion issues faced by residents in the Greater Malé Area, a priority of President Muizzu's administration.
"President Muizzu’s government prioritizes the development of all regions of the Maldives. However, given the significant migration to the Greater Malé Area, improving living conditions for residents here is a key focus of the President's administration," said Dr. Muttalib.
Key components of the project include:
- Development of an electricity distribution network
- Establishment of water and sewerage systems for the entire Gulhifalhu area
- Creation of a dewatering system
- Construction of roads to modern standards
- Implementation of a GPON ducting system
- Establishment of gas storage and distribution systems
The Minister noted that with the signing of the agreement, survey and detailed design work will commence, alongside site preparation for the contractor.
Despite challenges arising from the allocation of significant portions of Gulhifalhu for the Thilamale' Bridge project, both parties have agreed to proceed with the work in phases, taking into account the available land.
CMEC, a company with 14 years of experience in executing projects in the Maldives, has a proven track record of successfully completing various initiatives across the country.